While it's true that AVHS had an impressive season, they stumbled at the final hurdle and choked when it counted. Just like the FHS girls soccer team a few years ago, they couldn't handle the pressure of completing an undefeated season and crumbled in the NCS Championship game, proving once again that Pleasanton never produces truly great teams. We lack the character and killer instinct that schools like Carondelet, Mitty, and O'Dowd have in big games. Those schools have a history of producing #1 ranked teams in a variety of sports and know how to seal the deal. Tough way to end a good year, but congrats to the kids on their run. What a pity

@ Kay... I never said anything about sports being more important than grades. Both my kids went to Catholic high schools, played sports at a high level, and were Dean's List students. If you bother to check the stats, neither of the high schools here in town have the academic achievement in terms of avg SAT scores, AP scores, or % of graduates who move on to college as the schools I mentioned. It seems to me that they produce both outstanding students and outstanding athletes. As soon as either FHS or AVHS achieve at the same level, I'll be happy to applaud them.

Posted by Billie
a resident of Mohr Park
on Jun 2, 2012 at 1:32 pmBillie is a registered user.

So, EBAL Dad, let me get this straight . . .

The only children that, in your eyes, are worth anything, who are in fact worth "applaud[ing]" or can be considered "outstanding", are those that graduate at the top of their class and/or play on a first place sports team in private Catholic schools, and then go on to college??? Let me guess, would that be a private Catholic-run college?

Every other child, I guess all of those who go to public school, in your words, are to be "pit[ied]" because they can't "handle the pressure", "crumbled", show a lack of "character and killer instinct", and don't "know how to seal the deal"???

WOW . . . food for thought . . . I wonder if the coaches in privately funded schools are professional coaches paid more than a stipend? I wonder if private schools pay scolarships for top athletes from around the area to beef up their teams? I wonder if private school teachers are paid more than public school teachers who not only continue to see funding being stripped away, but now have to deal with the vitriol and nasty rhetoric from some in the community because they belong to a union.

Well, I say an unqualified "congratulations" to all of our Pleasanton students, athletes and teachers. I "applaud" all of our students, including those students still attending, those graduating, and those in continuation school. I congratulate and applaud each and every student who stays in school and does the very best they can in school and life, both before and after they graduate - whether or not they decide that college is for them.

It's not always the "win" that makes you great, it's how you fight the fight with honor.

Posted by #32 Mom
a resident of Pleasanton Meadows
on Jun 2, 2012 at 4:42 pm

EBAL Dad…How Christian of you to berate a group of young ladies you know absolutely nothing about. As the mom of one of those "stumbling", "choking", and "crumbling" team members, I can tell you that they have worked incredibly hard to achieve what they have in the past two seasons. These girls are exceptional athletes and all carry a GPA of 3.50 or better. As for your beloved parochial schools, we beat each and every one of them, some as many as four times. So tell me, a NATIONAL ranking of #2 isn't exceptional in your opinion? It certainly is in ours!

Posted by FHS parent
a resident of Del Prado
on Jun 2, 2012 at 10:55 pm

EBAL Dad - please cite the data you used to reach your conclusion about the subpar SAT scores? Both comprehensive high schools score very high on these tests, as well as continue to consistently have graduates attending prestigious four year public and private colleges. I know of several seniors from this year's FHS class admitted to Princeton, Stanford, CAL, UCLA, Duke, and Georgetown. Exactly how many students at the revered DelaSalle will be attending comparable schools? When you can produce the SAT/ACT data, then we can look at the numbers side by side.
Lastly, it is a shame you used the accomplishments of these wonderful ball players at AVHS to pitch your elitist view of education.
Wonderful job AVHS softball players - we are all very proud of you!

Well now, I guess I touched a nerve. Since many of you were asking for facts, here are some sources you can check up on my facts if you'd like. You can find the majority if all relevant scholastic data for every school in the county by looking online on the County of Alameda website. Check in the education section of the annual report. You'll find that my facts hold true for every year over the past two decades.

@ Billie... You can also educate yourself on the compatible pay scales between public and private schools online. To help you along, it's common knowledge that teachers in most Catholic schools make between 5-15% less than a compatible public school teacher with the same experience and education. So to be fair, the teachers in our district are getting better pay than the three school I mentioned.

And finally, to those who continue to live in the fantasy world where you believe that Catholic schools both "recruit" athletes, give athletic scholarships, or pay their coaches "professional" wages, I'll turn it around on you and ask for YOUR proof and factual evidence. In the entire history of the NCS, no Catholic school has ever been brought up on a violation of ethics or procedures. The same can not be said of public schools. Look it up. It's there to be found.

Finally, to those who believe I'm an elitist, let me be the first here to say a big congratulations to James Logan High School for their outstanding season. You represented your school and community with class, heart, and determination. I applaud your self-belief in not listening to the experts who said you didn't have a chance. Like the SRVHS girls soccer team a few years ago, you won your championship on the field, and not in the polls. Well done, Lady Colts!

Oh, one other fact that is relevant to all the folks defending the quality of our local high schools. FHS recieved only a 2 year certification on the latest WASC report, the lowest one possible without having to have the school's certification. If you think that our local kids are getting such a quality education, perhaps you should read the WASC visit team's report. I did, and it's shocking. And before you ask, it's public record.

Just remember, folks, that we "elitests" who chose to send our kids to private schools are also paying taxes, just like you, to help send your kids to school too. Keep that in mind the next time you decide to slam us. A lot of parochial school parents opt to forego owning expensive cars and other personal toys and funnel that money into ensuring our kids get a good education.

EBAL Dad - a few observations. In regards to your 'foregoing expensive cars' comments, I assume you haven't been in the DeLaSalle parking lot in a while; I observed the largest assortment of luxury vehicles I've seen in quite a while when I was there a few weeks ago for a game.
Secondly, thank you for suggesting we all check out the facts on the Alameda County website; I think that should be interesting.
In regards to the teachers; I happen to be a teacher who has worked both in Parochial AND Public Schools, and I know for a fact that teachers in those schools for many years did NOT have to have a valid Credential to teach; they are not under the same guidelines/requirements as public schools. I also know that the caliber of teachers on the whole in those schools is not that of my colleagues in the public schools in regards to training/experience/long term growth/etc. You are right; the money is quite less, and many dedicated teachers who are in education for the long haul, simply cannot afford to stay teaching in those schools. While there are teachers at every school who probably should consider another career path, most in our local high schools are smart, competent, and extremely dedicated. My own children have received a top rate education, and I'm convinced I could not have paid for a better one at the Parochial schools down the 680!

Posted by Kathleen Hart-Hinek
a resident of Kottinger Ranch
on Jun 3, 2012 at 2:20 pm

Every so often a High School team gets me excited to pay attention to a sport that I typically never follow-thank you to the AVHS Softball team for being that team! You've rallied the community and gained the utmost respect of your teachers, classmates and fellow student athletes alike. You had an unbelievable year! When the sting of the loss fades you will be left with memories that will last a lifetime and that's the best part of High School sports. Go Dons!!

Posted by FHS parent of 2 CAL grads
a resident of Foothill High School
on Jun 3, 2012 at 2:29 pm

EBAL Dad - Last I checked private schools have the luxury of choosing their students as opposed to being charged with educating anyone who comes through their doors. My kids got a great education in public school. Best wishes to yours.....

Posted by Jane
a resident of Pleasanton Meadows
on Jun 3, 2012 at 4:29 pm

EBAL Dad: You said that James Logan (a public school) "represented their school and community with class, heart and determination"  didn't Amador do the same? I'm not an 'expert', but with a 24-1 record and the NCS title 2 of the last 3 years (Amador Valley won the title in 2011), I'm not sure how anyone can say that James Logan did not have a chance.

Did I miss something? Because public versus private schools aside, it sounds like you have an issue with Pleasanton schools.

Posted by here we go again
a resident of Amador Estates
on Jun 4, 2012 at 8:45 pm

Once again, a story about great successes of our young people and the people of good ole Pleasanton always take the negative side and take front eh great accomplishments of these great student athletes. You people are disgusting and should be absolutely ashamed of yourselves. The PW is a rag for bored anal people who have nothing better to do. SHAME ON YOU!!!!!

Posted by Numero Cinco
a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Jun 4, 2012 at 10:18 pm

EBAL DAD - Last year Amador wasn't expected to win, and we did it. Tell me, who beat Carondelet twice this year and molly-whomped Mitty 8-1? Ohhh yeah that's right...AMADOR SOFTBALL...I haven't seen Carondelet beat Amador for the past 2 years. And who has had a scholastic team with a 3.5 GPA or higher for the past 2 years? AVHS SOFTBALL. Oh and not to mention, we were ranked #1 in the nation on MaxPreps. The next time you decide to bash on my team, you will come directly to me. This team is my family and will be my family for the next two years. Amador Softball will see you in the NCS Championship game next year and there's nothing you can do about it.

Posted by Amador Student
a resident of Ruby Hill
on Jun 4, 2012 at 10:29 pm

Congratulations to everyone on varsity softball this year! Though it was a low note to end the game, Amador couldn't have been prouder to have such a kickass team with such high rankings and great season! :)

James Logan are the best team this season and one of the best softball programs in NCS. They proved it on the field, which is the only place that matters in sports. They have won the sectional title 4 times, including 2 of the last 3 seaons (as compared to AVHS's lone NCS win last season). It's too bad that they were hardly mentioned in the article. Lots of hype for a team that lost and almost no word about the program that beat them. Typical.

Posted by Amador Student
a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Jun 5, 2012 at 9:51 am

EBAL DAD- this just comes to show that some people on this website have nothing other to do than bash people. Even if they did go to NCS and just happened to lose by a point. Yeah they were not mentioned in this article, because you ARE on the Pleasanton Weekly website. Of course they are going to talk about Amador more. How could you go bash on a team that just went undefeated till NCS. Sure they lost, but if you didn't read, it was 1-0. That is such a good game. Logan had class? I'm sure they did. But so did Amador. Dedication? i would say that a 26-1 record shows that they had dedication. You honestly must have a really good life sitting at home, waiting for these new comments, so you could bash a little more. If you would have just kept your mouth shut, and not bashed us, we wouldn't have bashed you. And i dare you to come to Amador and confront the Amador Softball Players and coaches with all of your thoughts. See how that goes.
Good day MR EBAL DAD.

Posted by shannon
a resident of Stoneridge Orchards
on Jun 5, 2012 at 10:58 am

I personally know some of the players on the girls softball team. They are not only respected students, good kids and I am proud of everyone of them. They played hard and hoped for a win, in my opinion they are winners.

Congratulations girls! You played with respect and you gave it your best.

Kudos to Amador Student in the previous post. It's nice to see a student chime in so parents here know they are paying attention too.
To EBAL Dad: This is a "Pleasanton" newspaper, not national. People who read this paper are interested in Pleasanton, the Tri-Valley, and Bay Area. Likely, in that order.

LOL... I'm really sorry if some of you are struggling with an opinion that differs from yours. I'm also amused at the "students" who are posting on here, attempting to call me out and issuing adolescent threats because they're put off by the truth. These are more likely AMHS softball parents or local alums who's whole world is this tiny little bedroom community. Silly, laughable, and slIghtly pathetic.

Posted by Student
a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Jun 5, 2012 at 9:49 pm

EBAL Dad,
We are not struggling with your opinions; we are struggling with your judgment. Matthew 7:1 says, "Do not judge or you too will be judged." Our team did a fantastic job this year. I'm not sure why you can't accept the fact that we really are an amazing team and had an amazing season. Jealousy, perhaps? James 3:16 says, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice." Your comments have brought anger and retaliation. We did what we could and tried our best. Why can't you be proud in how far our program has come in the last couple of years? "We lack the character and killer instinct that schools like Carondelet, Mitty, and O'Dowd have in big games." That statement is false. Our coaches preach character day in and day out. It's parents like you who sit behind their computer screen and hide their identity out of cowardice that contribute to "the lack of character". In the beginning of the New Testament of the Bible, we read about the Gospels and the acts of the Apostles. Particularly, we learn about loving your enemies. Matthew 5:44 says, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." So before I go to bed tonight, I will keep you in my prayers. Thank you for your input. God Bless.

Posted by proud mama
a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Jun 5, 2012 at 10:43 pm

To EBAL Dad>>> Sounds like you should put up the "For Sale" sign and move to Union City The Pleasanton school system is inferior to you then maybe you would feel better not having tax money going to this school district. Were you even at this game? I am guessing the answer is no. It was the Amador players, parents and fans who had class not the Logan players and fans. Derogatory comments where being fired at the Amador players and it was not called for. I am proud to have supported the Purple and Gold, high nationally ranked softball team. If Logan is the best team around then why are their ESPN ranking lower than Amador's? Is ESPN also screwed up as well? Seems they all got it right and it might be that you are just not properly informed. Better get use to this because you might need to face this for the next 2 years! Go Dons!

@ [Student]... As-Salamu Alaykum to you. Since you were kind enough to quote from your beliefs, I thought I'd return the gesture and help teach you too... 'Surely the hypocrites strive to deceive Allah, and He shall requite their deceit to them, and when they stand up to prayer they stand up sluggishly; they do it only to be seen of men and do not remember Allah save a little.' the Holy Quran

@ proud mama... No, I was not at the game. And you may be right about the conduct of the Logan fans (or you may not). I have been at enough EBAL games through the years to know that AMHS parents can more than hold there own in the poor sportsmanship department. And as for the result of the game itself, James Logan has the sectional championship trophy... because they won it on the field. They don't give it away to the winner of subjective polls and rankings. So, in the end, I'm actually right to call Logan the best team, because they beat AMHS when it counted. The truth might sting, but it's still the truth.

Posted by Ptown Parent
a resident of Foothill High School
on Jun 6, 2012 at 8:40 am

Congratulations Amador Girls Softball on an amazing season. You gave it everything you had, so no regrets. Enjoy your many wins and ignore the haters who can't say something positive about Ptown student athletes. Those of us who watch and support you know you kids have heart.

[Student], you wrote a great comment. Try not to let the ONE hater on this thread ruin your day. He is probably just a fake *%@! disturber. (not to mention not the brightest bulb in the chandelier calling AVHS AMHS) The community is proud of people like you, and embarrassed to have people like EBAL Dad spewing hatred to an amazing group of girls. Hold your head high, be proud of your accomplishments, and enjoy the final days of school. You and your team deserve it!

Posted by Shaking my head
a resident of Harvest Park Middle School
on Jun 6, 2012 at 11:12 am

[Student] great post and great courage to stand up for your team and your school. It's a hard lesson for kids to learn but just because someone is an adult doesn't mean they aren't wrong, mean, stupid, conceited, and simply crazy. No matter how much you try, some people just don't get it and probably aren't capable of it. Don't waste your energy trying to teach class to EBAL dad. Some people live on negativity and anger and stir it up any chance they can. He probably just needs to go back on his meds. Can't wait for next season! You guys are amazing!

What is EBAL Dad talking about? Amador lacked the character to handle the pressure and that private schools produce better athletes and students equipped to compete and not choke? What? Let's not forget just how young the Amador team is! Seven of the girls in the starting line up were sophomores or freshmen. And they won the whole thing last year and showed then they could do it. I was at the game and Amador out played and were obviously the better team. Logan got lucky. And as for the quality of education, ALL four of the Amadors teams seniors are going off to college. Kansas University, Sonoma St, Cal Poly, and Columbia University. The team GPA is well above a 3.5 I would say that is a great representation of Pleasanton schools! How can anyone discredit the team, their character, dedication and competitiveness. Amador has produced great athletes AND students. This is a WIN for public schools. Way to go PUSD!

Here's a quick update for all those folks who were trumpeting the importance of the ESPNHS National Softball Poll. The final rankings came out today, and they reflect the result of the NCS Championship game, just as they should. James Logan finish as the #4 team in the nation (up from #21) while AVHS finishes in the #5 spot, dropping from #2 the previous week.

I'm going to end my thread here (I can almost hear the applause) by explaining a couple of things, one of which I've left unsaid to this point, and one which I have mentioned but need to re-emphasize.

The main reason for my initial comments on here were the result of a conversation that I overheard while waiting for coffee at Tully's downtown the day before the championship game. There were a group of adults, several of whom were AVHS softball parents, prattling on about how great is was going to be to win a "National Championship" and how they expected a walk-over versus Logan. There were even a couple not-so-subtle comments about the ethnic make-up of the kids from JLHS. I found the whole thing to be utterly disgusting and a perfect example of parents needing to get a life of their own, rather than living through their kids. To those of you who were in that group (and you know who you are), shame on you. I'm sure you've been dreaming up every excuse in the book as to why Logan won, but the truth is this; they won the game, won the championship, and won in the polls. Results talk... you-know-what walks.

Finally, to the members of the AVHS team themselves, I offer you my sincere congratulations on your amazing season. Winning the league is a big deal, and you are clearly the queens of the EBAL. More importantly, I want to offer you my apologies for any hurt or slight that you've felt through this discussion. You did your best, which is all any group of athletes can ever do. You're to be commended for your undefeated run. I wish you nothing but success next season and in the seasons to come.

Posted by Ptown resident
a resident of Laguna Oaks
on Jun 7, 2012 at 9:05 am

Sounds like EBAL DAD's kids couldn't make the Pleasanton team of their choice and he is very, very bitter that he has to send them to private school to get them on a team. Then has to justify his decision to himself and whoever will listen forever more! Sorry bud, it is competitive here. I'm sure your car is just fine.

I am a HUGE Foothill Falcon fan...so it is in my 'blood' to root For Foothill.
:-)

But it is also important to step back from being a fan of any one team, and acknowledge all students that strive to be their best - on the field or off.
You deserve that recognition and congratulations!

Your 'run' this year has been quite something. Wins don't just 'happen'.

I know how hard it is to excell in a sport while also balancing grades and all that life throws your way.

I have been inspired by your determination, and it is important to step back and acknowledge your achievements.

So.... My hat is off to you. Congratulations on a season you will remember forever.

Posted by GoDon
a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Jun 7, 2012 at 10:30 pm

EBAL Dad- there is NO WAY you heard any such thing while in line for coffee!!
That is your way of attempting to justify your comments. NONE of the parents would say anything regarding walking over Logan nor would they EVER say anything about the ethnicity of the Logan kids!! There is actually a close relationship between many of the parents, players and coaches of those teams as many have played travel ball together. There is a very healthy and respectful competition amongst those two teams and if you were actually at the game you would have seen the exchange of hugs amongst the two teams and parents. And this has been the case the last several years. Your pathetic and your attempt to create friction between these two teams is beyond terrible!!

Posted by Ptown
a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Jun 7, 2012 at 11:07 pm

I agree! I know those parents and not only would they not saying anything like that, they don't believe that. That team, parents included, are a class act and have amazing sportsmanship. That's ridiculous and anyone who knows the parents and fans know they would NEVER say or believe any such thing. And surely EBAL Dad would have brought this up long before his last post! Hopefully no one from our community or Logan believes this lie and sees it for what it actually is.

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